Windows & Doors Costs

Whether you have a sprawling mansion or a tiny apartment, two things that you can't live without are doors and windows. Despite the practical nature of these two items, they can vary significantly in style, design, size, efficiency and price. To help you better prepare for the installation of new windows, new doors, a remodel or just a single replacement, this cost guide details some of the common prices that come with all window and door projects.

Window & Door Installation Project Costs

While many of you already have a set of windows and doors, others are building their dream homes and starting from scratch. Likewise, some are tired of that old, squeaky door in back and want to completely replace it. No matter where you are in life, the average window and door installation costs are good to know.

Window Installation Price

When it comes to the window installation cost, the biggest factors are type and number. Some windows are stronger than others and as such, cost more than standard. Such windows include storm windows, double hung windows or energy-efficient windows. All three provide better insulation (which saves you money on HVAC) and as such, cost more.

Next is the number of windows you’re installing. Most window companies charge on a per window basis, but most offer deals with bundle projects. So, while replacing six windows at once may be costly, just know that you could end up paying less if you replace them all at once versus a few every year.

For those of you hiring a pro, expect to pay $4,264 to install new windows. – Bold Please note that this is not the price of just one window.

Of course, you can always save a lot by installing the windows yourself. Window companies may not be cheap, but they have been in the business for quite some time. Therefore, if you’re looking to replace or install new windows, always get a few quotes. You never want to talk to just one professional remodeling company.

Door Installation Price

When it comes to doors, interior doors and exterior doors are on different playing fields. Most interior doors can be found at any hardware store and someone with a little DIY experience can install them. Installation of pre-fabricated doors usually doesn’t cost more than a few hundred dollars.

Exterior doors on the other hand will not be inexpensive. While the average door installation cost is $817, most exterior doors bring this price up. Unlike interior doors, exterior doors are exposed to the elements. They nonetheless have to be able to take quite a beating. Furthermore, complex and imperative locks must also be added, all driving up the total door price.

Windows & Doors Labor Price

Although the costs of doors and windows vary substantially, the labor tends to be similar across the board. When the materials are provided, it can cost as little as $40 per hour to hire a professional for the replacement of a pane of glass in a door or a window. On the other hand, you can remove the entire unit and have it replaced.

Hanging An Exterior or Interior Door Price

If you buy a standard door for the interior or exterior of the home, it can either come pre-hung, which means that hinges are already in place, or it can look more like a plank. The pre-hung versions can be more expensive, but they are ready to install right away and will take a professional less than an hour, on average, and cost as little as $150. To add the hinges, line up the door with the frame, add on a doorknob and then a lock; expect to pay upwards of $250 for both the door and labor costs.

Energy-Efficient Door & Window Price

When comparing the prices of doors and windows, looking at their energy-efficiency is key. Low-cost items that drive up your energy bills may not be a great value in the long term. Double-pane windows trap air to insulate the home, but they are more expensive.

Sliding Glass Door Installation Price

As you might imagine, installing sliding glass doors requires more labor and experience than a traditional wooden door. The labor alone for this installation can run anywhere from $250 to $700. Clearly, while they’re easier to open and close, they are more expensive. According to our cost guide, sliding doors range from $200 to $2,500 per door.

Window & Door Screen Prices

To keep out bugs and still enjoy a refreshing breeze, screens for your doors and windows are ideal. Screens allow you to open your windows and save money on HVAC. They can also cut down on wind entering the home or even rain. They also act as a form of security, which is why it’s so important to keep them intact.

If you’re looking to add some color to your exterior, stained glass is the perfect installation. Stained glass offers a burst of color and can help provide visual interest in any space.

While many assume that stained glass is too expensive, the average is not far off from regular windows. Homeowners usually pay between $520 and $730 on average to install stained glass windows in a single room.

Window Tinting Price

Tinting isn’t just for cars anymore. Homeowners looking for a little more privacy would be wise to tint their windows. Unlike traditional coverings, there is no gap to peek inside.

Rather than a per window price, window tinting costs are based on a per square foot model. While the average total cost is $628, most homeowners pay between $5 and $7/sf.

Window Shutter Installation Price

Staying outside the home, many homeowners take their window design up a notch by installing shutters. Shutters can block the sun, provide privacy and greatly improve your curb appeal.

Shutters can be fixed or moved. Fixed shutters are for design and movable shutters are more practical. As you might expect, movable shutters are more expensive.

The last exterior window installation project deals with covers. While a window well will certainly not wow any incoming guest, they have been known to prevent a disaster or two.

Window wells that do not have covers tend to accumulate water, leaves and other debris. As such, to prevent any foundation issues or annoying cleaning jobs, many homeowners bite the bullet and install a window well cover. Their average price is $714.

Weather Stripping Installation Price

Moving inside the house, we come across perhaps the most common window remodeling project. Caulking is vitally important in terms of comfortability and energy costs. While new windows do a terrific job of keeping the cold outside when it needs to, older windows lose their touch. As such, most add weather stripping around their windows. This caulk essentially adds a solid barrier around your window, keeping your expensive heat inside the house when you need it.

Fortunately, you don’t have to hire a pro to caulk your windows as the material is readily available at any hardware store and very easy to use. The average price to weather strip a window is $272.

Window Treatment Installation Price

Besides the actual window, there are other ways to add some design flair to the interior. Besides a splash of color, window treatments can make a room seem bigger and also save on energy costs. Luckily, most window treatments are inexpensive and most window stores will have pros that can install them for roughly $150. This falls in line with our average window treatment installation cost, coming in at $139.

Skylight Installation Price

Our final window installation project comes from above. Skylights give any room an airy and sunny distinction when traditional windows are not available. They are perfect bathrooms or hallways. However, unlike some of the previous projects, a homeowner rarely installs skylights. As such, their installation price is not cheap, coming in at $1,449.

Garage Door Installation Price

If you already own a garage, hopefully you have a garage door. Other than the obvious security addition, garages, whether attached or detached, greatly add to the value of your home. While the overall price will depend on the type of garage door you install (steel, wood, single, double), the average garage door installation cost is $964.

Garage Door Opener Installation Price

If you’re going to install a garage door, you might as well add an automatic opener. While garage door openers may be obvious to some, sadly, they don’t come with every garage door. Believe us when we say that getting out of your car every time you enter your home is not something you want to do, especially when winter rolls around. As such, if you are adding a new garage door, spend the $295 to add a garage door opener.

Window & Door Repair Project Costs

Widow Repair Price

Glass is fragile and considering what it has to stand up to, be it weather or your kids, it’s no surprise that window repair is a common home remodeling project. Besides the window, the frame can also get damaged and essentially lose part of its function. As we already stated, older windows do not insulate as well as newer models. While you could caulk every winter, installing a new window or repairing it is the long-term answer.

The average price for window repair is $263, but the total project cost will depend on a myriad of factors. See them all with our window repair cost estimator.

Door Repair Price

Just like your windows, your doors must be in tip-top shape. Both are the first barriers to intrusion for all burglars. Unlike most home remodeling projects, door repair involves your family’s safety and as such, should not be taken lightly.

The most common door problems revolve around swelling, sticking and sagging. All can be fixed easily, but it helps to have someone who knows what they’re doing. Fortunately, professional door repairs cost $235.

Stained Glass Repair Price

Repairing stained glass is very similar to repairing a regular window. However, as you might expect, given the complex design, the repairs most likely cost a little more.

If you have stained glass, over time, you must regrout, just as you would any other window. On the other hand, if part of the glass chips, professionals can replace the damaged section. That’s why it’s imperative you call a pro to remove the broken section. Homeowners who try to remove the broken glass themselves often break the rest of the window.

Fixed shutters rarely need repairs unless you just experienced a big thunderstorm. The only repair that interior shutters sometimes require is new hinges. Therefore, both are not expensive.

However, movable, exterior shutters are not as cheap. Since they take more of a beating, repairs are necessary and require more attention. However, after looking at hundreds of shutter repair projects, the average repair price is $199.

Skylight Repair Price

Much like your windows, skylights can break or leak. As most skylights are directly above you, you must get them fixed right away. You can’t risk a big piece of glass falling on your head. ImproveNet has seen prices as low as $218, but most skylight repairs cost $629.

Garage Door Repair Price

A faulty garage door is without a doubt one of the most irritating home repair projects. After all, if the garage door breaks while your car is in it, you won’t be going anywhere until it’s fixed.

Sadly, your garage door can experience many issues such as debris buildup, broken panels or faulty wires. Luckily, repairs are not too expensive, coming in at $202.

Garage Door Opener Repair Price

The average garage door opens and closes 1,500 times a year, so it’s no surprise that some garage door openers face a few mechanical and electrical problems. While most homeowners bring in a garage pro or an electrician, others just call their handyman. Most handymen can fix garage door openers for less than $200.

Window & Door Material Costs

All prices above include installation, repair and labor. However, if you’re embarking on a DIY window or door project, the only costs are materials and time. As such, ImproveNet researched the material costs for the most common window and door projects.

Window & Door Types

With all costs out of the way, we can jump into the fun part of remodeling and that is design. When it comes to windows and doors, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Types of Windows

Picture Windows: When it comes to window designs, pictures are the most basic and easy to install. This window style creates a portrait-style space on the walls.

Casement Windows: They look like a picture window, but it actually opens. Many casement windows open outward and therefore, have a handle or hand crank to slowly open the window.

Hung Windows: Hung windows slide vertically. They are very popular, as are double hung windows where both the bottom and top sections can be adjusted.

Slider Windows: Slider windows are just like hung windows, but they slide open. Most open on one side, but double sliders open on both. Sliders are very popular bedroom windows.

Awning Windows: Awning windows are attached at the top and open outward. The window, or awning, protects the open area so no rain leaks in. Awning windows are great in bathrooms (carefully placed of course) and can easily be opened using a crank or handle

Bay & Bow Windows: Bay and bow windows are composed of three (bay), four (bow) or more windows adjoined at equal angles to produce a unique curve to the home. They are used in larger spaces and are prominent in living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms.

Types of Doors

Fiberglass Entry Doors: If you want an extra “wow” factor for your entry door, go with fiberglass. Beware, materials alone could cost up to $1,700, so be prepared for a hefty bill if you hire a pro for installation.

Steel Entry Doors: Steel entry doors do not add much design, but they are safe and according to our prices above, only go up to $500.

Wood Entry Doors: Wood is one of those transformative options you can customize for any design or budget. From classic to old European, your options are only limited by your imagination.

Storm Doors: Most install storm doors in addition to the current entry door. In that case, the storm door should highlight and accentuate the main door to the home. Screen doors are a popular choice for those who wish to have a lot of ventilation throughout the back or side entryways.

French Patio Doors: French doors open up a room or expose exterior light into a room without sacrificing insulation quality. Light has the ability to filter through glass-paned French doors to make rooms feel brighter and less closed-in. They are the most sought-after doors on the market.

Sliding Patio Doors: Sliding doors are very easy to open and do not slam when you close them. They also stay open when you don’t close it, which comes in handy while carrying four plates out to the patio.

Bitfold Patio Doors: Bitfold doors are large sliders that fold into each other. They are popular at restaurants that like to blend their indoor and outdoor seating areas. When completely open, they create a large opening perfect for summer afternoons.

Multi-Slide Patio Doors: Multi-slide doors are just like bitfold, but do not fold up and slide all the way across the door frame. Overall, they take up less space.

Window & Door Trends

With all home improvement projects, the principle of supply and demand holds true. As such, window and door trends will always affect your overall remodeling cost. If something is trending, you can bet that option will be more expensive than others.

So, while the below designs are trending, just know that most come with higher price tags.

When it comes to doors, according to Quality Window & Door, 2016 is all about expandable doors. As we touched on earlier, expandable doors are siders or bitfolds that connect the outside and inside. They are perfect for patio doors or any door that goes into the backyard. The most popular expandable doors of 2016 are:

Folding Doors

Double Swing Doors

Single Doors

Sliding Doors

Find A Pro

After covering every cost that comes with all windows and doors, you have the information needed to go out and install or remodel your own.